Mental Health Peer Coordinator (Full Time)

The Odawa Native Friendship Centre (ONFC) is a non-profit organization serving the Indigenous community in the Ottawa-Carleton Region of Eastern Ontario and surrounding communities.

The Vision of ONFC is to ensure a thriving and resilient community. Odawa strives to enhance the quality of life of Indigenous People in the Capital region; to maintain a tradition of community, an ethic of self-help and development as well as to provide traditional teachings from our elders.

JOB SUMMARY

The Mental Health Peer Coordinator will provide a network of supports and mentorships to urban Indigenous people under community supervision orders as they seek to improve their mental health, reduce any harms associated with their behaviours, work to avoid justice system recidivism, and pursue a Good Mind.

The Coordinator, may themself, have life experiences relevant to the peer counselling responsibilities of the program, but more broadly the Coordinator will be responsible for providing assistance to clients in finding housing, employment, medical supports, and advocacy with parole, probation or other justice system officials as needed. The Coordinator will also facilitate access to cultural and healing ceremonies on an ongoing basis.

REQUIREMENTS

• Possess a post-secondary education in Indigenous studies, social service work, child and youth work ora combination of equivalent and relevant education.

• The candidate will have a minimum of two (2) years of demonstrated and related work experiencewithin a mental health and/or social service setting.

• Strong knowledge and awareness of Indigenous culture and history, with particular emphasis on theimpacts of trauma, family violence, Indigenous Justice and community outreach.

• Satisfactory vulnerable sector check.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.

• Demonstrated ability to handle multiple tasks and prioritize assigned duties.

• Must possesses high standard of integrity and work ethic with the ability to handle confidentialinformation.

• High proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, etc)

• Outstanding analytical, problem-solving and trouble-shooting skills.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Engage a small network of Indigenous peer mentors, those experienced with mental health, addictions, and the justice system, to offer ongoing supports for relevant urban Indigenous persons.

• Work in collaboration with other Friendship Centre programs to provide wrap-around services.

• Work in collaboration with justice system officials, Native Inmate Liaison Officers, Aboriginal Liaison Officers, and parole and probation officers to support the mental health and cultural needs of clients as they exit incarceration.

• Wherever possible, visit Indigenous inmates and run programming in detention facilities to build relationships and begin planning for the client’s release.

• Work in collaboration with other community agencies to find housing, employment, and other necessary supports.

• Complete intake, assessment, action plans, referral services, and aftercare supports as necessary.

• Facilitate sharing and healing circles that include teachings and discussions.

• Offer land-based activities focused on the connection to nature and creating space for positive selfidentity.

• Facilitate transmission of cultural knowledge through teachings, storytelling, and peer-based activities.

• Connect with Elders and Traditional Knowledge Keepers to support cultural programs and services relevant to the local areas, customs, and protocols.

• Create support service agreements through various internal and external partners through networking, committee work, and/or cultural competency training for Indigenous and non-Indigenous service providers/agencies.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Flexibility and adaptability are necessary in our fast-paced organization.

• Working conditions are normal for an office environment.

• Work regular business hours with some overtime when required.

• Evening and weekend work when necessary.

If you are interested and meet the above criteria, please send your résumé and cover letter telling us why

you think you’d be a great addition to the ONFC team to aarmstrong@odawa.on.ca by August 6, 2021.

Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit and Métis) candidates will be given priority, please self-identify.

The Odawa Native Friendship Centre is committed to accommodating people with disabilities. If you

require an accommodation, we will work with you to meet your needs. 

We thank all applicants for their

interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.